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turmeric

(Most of the non-recipe information was provided by Mike Moriarty, and is largely based on research by Kai Kaholokai, a Hawaiian Ayervedic who runs the Kai Malino Wellness center.)

Turmeric- In Languages other than English

Hawaiian: 'Olena (Curcuma domestica).

Hindi: Haridra. Mandarin: Jiang Huang.

Japanese: Kyoo. Korean: Kanghwang.

Tahitian: Re'a. Marquesan: 'Ena.

Samoan, Tongan: Ago, Ango.

Cook Is.: Renga.

English: Turmeric Rhizome.

Literal English Translation: "Ginger Yellow".

Major Known Ingredients:

Turmerone, Zingerene, Phellandrene, Cineole, Sabinene, Borneol, and Curcumin.

Part Used: Rhizome.

THE AYURVEDIC QUALITIES OF 'OLENA OR TURMERIC:

ENERGY: Heating, (KV-Po).

TASTES: Bitter, Astringent, Pungent.

PROPERTIES: Acrid, Bitter, Warm.

POST-DIGESTION EFFECTS: Pungent.

CHANNELS ENTERED: Spleen, stomach, Liver.

TISSUES: Works on all tissue-elements in the body.

SYSTEMS: Digestive, Circulative, Respira-tory.

ACTIONS: Stimulant,Carminative, Altera-tive, Vulnerary, Antibacterial.

INDICATIONS: Indigestion, Poor Circulation, Cough, Amenorrhea, Pharyngtis, Skin Disorders, Diabetes, Arthritis, Anemia, Wounds, Bruises.

PRECAUTIONS: Acute Jaundice and Hepatitis, High Pitta, Pregnancy.

PREPARATIONS: Infusion, Decoction, Powder (250 mg. to 1 g.)."the yoga of herbs".

AYURVEDA is a holistic system of medicine that is indigenous to and widely practiced in India. The word Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term meaning "science of life". AYU means "life" or "daily living", and VEDA is "knowing". Ayurveda was first recorded in the VEDAS, the world's oldest extant literature. This healing system has been practiced in daily life in India for more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda is the science of of life which balance us in being healthy.

To Traditional Ayurvedics, Turmeric is seen as an excellent natural antibiotic, while at the same time it strengthens digestion and helps improve intestinal flora. As such it is a good anti-bacterial for those chronically weak or ill. It's not only purifies the blood, but also warms it and stimulates formation of new blood tissue. Turmeric gives the energy of the divine mother and grants prosperity. It is effective for cleansing the chakras (nadi-shodhana), purifying thechannels of the subtle body. It helps stretch the ligaments and is, therefore, good for the practice of hatha yoga. Turmeric promotes proper metabolism in the body, correcting both excesses and deficiencies. It aids in the digestion of protein. Externally, it can be used with honey for sprains, strains, bruise or itch. It is tonic to the skin, for which purpose it can be taken internally as a milk decoction. Turmeric is aromatic and a stimulant and has many helpful functions. It is bitter, slightly pungent and a good blood purifier, and works as a tonic to aid digestion and relieve congestion. It has a soothing action on respiratory ailments such as cough and asthma. It also is antiarthritic and acts as a natural anti-bacterial. Turmeric may be added to high-protein food to assist digestion and prevent the formation of gas. It is effectively used to maintain the flora of the large intestine.

NATIVE USAGE OF 'OLENA: Traditional Hawaiian and Ayurvedic uses

TURMERIC ROOT PIECES: Chew 1 or 2 raw pieces to relieve inflammation of the tonsils and congestion in the throat.

TURMERIC LIQUID JUICE: Juice raw pieces into liquid.

TURMERIC PULP: Separated from juicing is used as a poultice mixture for broken bones, sprains & strained muscles, cuts & bruises to reduce swelling.

FRESH TURMERIC JUICE: It should be used and refrigerated within 2 weeks time for ear, sinus, throat, cough, colds and chest congestions. Turmeric juice kept longer then a month needs to be filtered several times until turmeric resin and thick fibers are removed.

TURMERIC RESIN: Gathered from the juice sedimentation and is used for skin disorder.

REFINED TURMERIC LIQUID: With grapefruit seed extract as a natural preservative can maintain its good quality for a longer period of time. Keep refrigerated after use.

Ear ache needs 2 or 3 drops in ear with a piece of cotton. Remove cotton in a few minutes. Repeat procedure in the other ear, if it is needed.

For sinus use 2 or 3 drops in both nostrils with a tissue to pinch the opening. In a sitting position, lower head slowly down to waist level, then raise head, tilt upward, repeat 3 times.

Throat & chest congestion needs 4 or 5 drop in the throat. Repeat as needed. Wart, itch, rash and skin disorders apply 1 or 2 drops on the affected area, dry, repeat several times a week. Tonify-ing the blood by 1 or 2 drops in water & juice.

Like all herbal products, patience and repetitive use is required for success. For instance, when treating an ear infection, the Turmeric juice holds down the infection very effectively, but beating it back may take quite some time. Likewise with sinus infections. Obviously, better effect will be had if you treat immediately at the onset of a problem. In the case of a sinus infection, it is wise to repeat the treatment twice a each usage (once to remove the mucus and once to coat the exposed memberanes) at least 3 times a day (5 is good). If any systemic signs or symptoms appearfever, swelling, redness, discharge, disorientation etc. it is wise to see your health care practitioner immediately.

Be aware that Turmeric is a strong dye, and can stain your clothes and furniture. Always prepare for use of this substance by eliminating the possibility that you will spill it on valued personal items.

The taking of Turmeric into the sinuses can be classified as "semi-intense." The liquid does not burn, but the sensation can be a compelling one. Always have paper towels or kleenex around to catch yourself with, if you sneeze. The ancient Hawaiians used this herb for many things, including the prevention and treatment of sinus infections (it is very astringent and appears to pull mucus out), ear infections (swimmers ear) and gastrointstinal ulcers.